A disturbing trend has emerged in South Africa, where police are allegedly targeting Zimbabwean migrants at funeral services, detaining mourners, and demanding bribes to secure their release. This practice has left families traumatized during a time of grief, adding to their emotional burden.

According to witnesses, police officers wait outside funeral parlors, round up mourners, and force them into police vans. The detained individuals are then allegedly released after paying bribes ranging from R1500 to R3000. This extortion scheme has been highlighted by Bulawayo24, with migrants describing the police’s actions as inhumane and deeply distressing.

The allegations have sparked outrage, with human rights organizations being urged to investigate and provide legal assistance to those affected. Migrant groups are demanding that authorities take accountability and ensure that every person, regardless of nationality, receives dignity and protection under the law.

The South African government has yet to respond to these claims, but pressure is mounting for urgent intervention to address police misconduct and extortion. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: vulnerable individuals should not be subjected to further trauma and exploitation, especially during times of bereavement.